The standard substrate complexation mechanism engages natural binding sites. In contrast, supramolecular structures may form complexes with proteins by penetrating in regions which are either naturally unstable or become temporarily accessible due to structural rearrangements related to the protein’s function. This may result in enhancement of irreversible processes (e.g. immune complexation or complement activation) or inhibition of reversible processes (e.g. enzymatic catalysis). Only ribbon-like supramolecular structures may form complexes with proteins. Having anchored itself inside the protein, the supramolecular ligand is protected against environmental factors such as changes in pH. This type of interaction represents a unique, nonstandard phenomenon in the context of proteomics.
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